From the editor’s desk

Published: Monday, Oct. 22, 2012 3:06 p.m. CDT

I think if I see one more political advertisement on TV, I am going to scream! How about you? I would caution you to be very careful with what you hear — from either side of the aisle. Facts tend to get lost during campaigns, and what you see is not always the absolute truth. I can’t help but wonder how much good the millions of dollars spent on political TV advertising could do if they were directed toward benevolent causes ... just a thought.

I hope you’re planning on attending the Bureau County Republican’s Candidates Forum, set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton. The event is absolutely free, but I believe you’ll come away with a wealth of knowledge about the candidates for Bureau County Circuit Clerk, Bureau County State’s Attorney and Bureau County Coroner. Even if you’ve already decided how you will cast your ballot, I strongly urge you to come out and listen to our candidates. It’s not easy to throw your hat in the ring — so to speak, and this will be a great opportunity to hear both candidates for each office answer questions on the issues. I’ll see you there.

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What’s the BigDeal? Every week the BCR offers readers an opportunity to save some cash on a deal at a local business. You can cash-in on these deals on our website at www.bcrnews.com. Following is this week’s BigDeal!:

• Stop in Tuesday through Thursday for lunch or dinner at Kaddywampus in Granville and get $20 of delicious food for only $10.

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BCR Halloween Contest: It’s time to cast your ballot in the BCR’s Halloween Contest. From today through Nov. 1, check out our cute Halloween character contestants on our website by clicking the “Contest” link at the top of the page and then clicking on the Halloween icon. Get your family and friends and Facebook friends to vote.

And the end of the contest, the Top 3 vote-getting entries will receive a prize. First prize is a pizza party at the Princeton Pizza Hut for up to 15 friends, valued at $200. Second prize is a gift certificate at iFocus Studios (April Casey Photography), valued at $200, and third prize is a pottery class using the pottery wheel for four at Annie’s Little Pots in Princeton, also valued at $200.

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It won’t be long before Halloween rolls into town, and your little ghosts and goblins will be out and about. The BCR will be publishing trick-or-treat hours in the near future. Watch for them!

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Have you picked up your free copy of our new magazine, Illinois Valley Living? If not, stop by our office to get your own copy or check out one of the more than 300 locations where we distribute this fun magazine on our website at www.illinoisvalleyliving.com. We’re already working on our winter edition, which promises to be just as exciting as the one you’ll find in the stands right now! This is a don’t-miss magazine! Enjoy!

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After more than 63 years, Bill Nelson, long-time owner of Nelson Drugs in Princeton, has decided to hang up his prescription coat and turn it in for some relaxing days on the golf course. Nelson is a legend in this area. He has served the people of Princeton and the surrounding areas very well for many years. Please stop by the pharmacy and wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.

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Thought for today: “I’m not an old, experienced hand at politics. But I am now seasoned enough to have learned that the hardest thing about any political campaign is how to win without proving that you are unworthy of winning.” Adlai Stevenson.

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I love these cool days and even cooler nights. Invigorating. Enjoy. Breathe. Exhale. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.